Veterans can apply for bonus

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Veterans Bonus continues a tradition of awarding bonuses to Ohio veterans that dates back to the Civil War, according to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

“Ohio veterans answered the call to service when our nation needed them most,” said Chip Tansill, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. “It is an honor to reward these brave men and women who fight for our nation’s freedom.”

The payment is $100 a month to veterans who served during the eligible periods in Afghanistan, up to a maximum of $1,000. For veterans who served in other parts of the world during these times, the payment is $50 a month up to a $500 maximum.

Veterans medically discharged as a result of combat service can receive $1,000, regardless of how much time they spent in theater, plus up to $500 for months of service elsewhere.

Family members of those killed in action or who died from disease as a result of their in-theater service can receive a bonus of $5,000 plus whatever the service member was eligible for, up to $6,500.

The eligible time period for service in Afghanistan or any location outside Afghanistan is from Oct. 7, 2001 through a date to be determined by President Barack Obama. Eligible veterans must have been Ohio residents at the time of their entry into the service, and must be Ohio residents at the time they apply.

As of Dec. 10, the Ohio Veterans Bonus program has paid 89,771 claims, amounting to more than $73.3 million.

The Ohio Veterans Bonus is not financed with taxes. Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment allowing the state to sell bonds to provide a special payment from the Ohio Honors Veterans Fund to servicemen and women.

To apply for the bonus, visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov, or any county Veteran’s Service Office. Veterans and military families can also call toll-free to 877- OHIO VET (877-644-6838).